Compelling Comics: ‘Saga’ a winner

Recently, the first volume of the critically acclaimed comic, “Saga,” has made it’s way into my library and my list of favorites due to its strangeness and compelling storyline.

“Saga” is about two lovers, Marko and Alana, that were born on two different planets that have been fighting each other for centuries. In “Volume One” of the series, Marko, Alana and their newborn are out on the lam, attempting to avoid clutches of the two factions on their tail.

Although the plot may sound simplistic and uninteresting, it’s the complete opposite. Everything about it is incredibly weird. Not only is it incredibly weird, but it’s weirdness just fits. Most of the characters are humanoids, but Alana comes from a people that all have wings and Marko comes from a moon where people use magic and grow antlers. Alana’s people are lead by a robot royal family, which are basically human bodies with old fashioned television screens for heads. Despite how ridiculous “”Saga” may seem, it works.

The characters all have their own personalities and sense of morals, and, despite a few character tropes, they’re all pleasant to read. Marko is an exceedingly talented warrior that’s sworn to give up his life of killing in order to be a better father figure for his daughter. One of the two bounty hired to find Marko and Alana, dubbed The Will, loses his head and starts killing people in an effort to free a young slave girl. These two characters and more add to Saga’s appeal with each individual having a unique flavor to the plot. Not to mention, the writer, Brian K. Vaughan, finds a way to make you care for each one. Even the bounty hunters and princes bent on finding and killing the main couple are capable of making you feel sympathetic.

The art also excels. The lines are bold and the colors are vibrant, making each page flip an exciting experience. Now, I would recommend Saga for adults but not for children. The scenes depicted are rather graphic.

Saga tells a weird, yet compelling story that will have fans of science fiction and fantasy hooked after one issue. If you’re into comics or strange things in general, give it a try.​